As the name states, with this type of approach you will put together your very own system from scratch.
During the course of action, you will be responsible for buying each individual part and assembling it all together with the goal of having a fully functional and trouble free system when you're finished.
Personal Note : I consider this the most rewarding course of action when concerning computers. I really enjoyed it when i did it. And it is also satisfying to know that some creep ain't messing with your PC.
Advantages :
1) Immense fun - Opening up all those delicately packed boxes and then putting them together is quite fun and enjoyable.
2) Knowledge - Naturally there will be a few questions when you are in the process of putting those components together. In the process of getting these questions solved, you will gain 100 times more knowledge than reading some crummy book.
3) CDs and Manuals - In pre-assembled computers, it is very likely that many programs would have been installed prior to delivery. So you will be missing a few good CDs and/or manuals.Now what will you do when one of those pre-installed programs become corrupt and need a re-install ?When building your own PC, you will be provided in the package itself with the cds or dvds.
4) Brand Choice - Well, some brands are better than other brands in some area (ie, hard disk - Seagate, WD. Optical Drive - LiteOn, Sony, etc.).You will have a choice to carefully research and buy the brand you find the best. This has to be the best part of assembling a PC all by yourself.
Disadvantages :
1) Time Consuming - If you are in a hurry, say you want a PC for your office within 2 days and you are quite busy. Well, in this case, you will have to go with "Clones". Also, if it is the first time you are assembling it on your own, then too it can be quite time consuming.
2) Warranty - If you are the type that likes to take everything easily even when it comes to Warranty, then you should'nt go in for assembling it yourself. The reason is, many component brands have a specific warranty wherin you have to take it to the Authorized dealers only (if you want it done freely that is).The parts you have chosen may have a warranty, but the assembled PC, as a whole, will not.
3) Compatibility - When you buy a pre-assembled PC, the parts put together would have been tested for compatibility issues with one another. If you decide to build your own system, you may run into conflicts with some other hardware. Its a good idea to buy components from a reputed brand name so as to avoid all the issues.
4) Trouble with assembling - Well, if you are assembling a computer for the first time, unless you have accessible connections to an experienced friend, technician or service center in case of problems, building your own computer may not be the best decision.
Last Words
I'd like to end this article by giving you a piece of advice. If you ever consider to buy a computer from a Reputed Brand Name, make sure that the motherboard has a AGP or PCIe slot and at least 2 PCI slots and provisions for SATA and higher processor support.
Last but not the least, DO NOT buy components from places like Nehru Place, National Market, S.P.Road, etc. The vendors here might give you a warranty, but mind you, when you take the component to the Authorized Dealer to get it repaired, he can identify if its a spurious component and your warranty is just washed down the drain. These products are all refurbished or are smuggled into the country. DO NOT encourage these kind of people. It doesn't matter if you pay a hundred rupees more and buy it from a well-established store.
